Re: [Paddlewise] Advantages of the high aspect ratio paddle?

From: Greg Stamer <gstamer_at_magicnet.net>
Date: Wed, 23 May 2001 23:51:58 -0400
At 10:35 PM 5/23/01 -0400, Michael Daly wrote:
>From: "Gabriel L Romeu" <romeug_at_erols.com>
>
>> I was surprised to read about the buoyancy factor of the stick as an
>> assist to rolling, but knowing Harvey's immersion in the study of
>> traditional craft and very thoughtful analysis, would never argue. 
>
>Sounds like a safe assumption, though I've been suspicious of the
>bouyancy benefits (with the exception of a floating-paddle assisted 
>hand roll).  

I have to concur strongly with Harvey Golden. One reason that I prefer
using cedar for Greenland-style paddles, and avoiding heavy finishes, is
precisely for their increased buoyancy. Some rolls become so easy, it feels
like cheating. 

There was an interesting article in either Anorak or an Eastern club
newsletter about ten years ago, where the author (Nel ?) measured the
buoyancy of a number of wood paddles, by suspending weights from the center
of the paddle shafts, in a swimming pool. The measured buoyancy of the
Greenland paddles surprised the author. If I recall correctly she claimed
several pounds of buoyancy, which was more than for the wood "Euro"
paddles. Does anyone recall the particulars of this article? If not, it
would be an interesting experiment to replicate.

Greg Stamer


***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************
Received on Wed May 23 2001 - 20:45:52 PDT

This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:30:43 PDT